Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Makeup Icons part 2



Marilyn Monroe

Why are people still obsessed with her after decades of her passing? Marilyn Monroe is undeniably a sex symbol and a symbol of freedom for women to express it. Her red lips, soft bedroom eye look that were contoured and lined, and that classic mole that women emulate was her signature look.



Audrey Hepburn

The opposite in look to Marlyn Monroe, she represented more of an innocent look. However, she had a very classic look. She was the epitome of class, elegance, and truly breath taking.




Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez acts, sings, produces records, dances, and designs clothes. She is an amazing talent that is more than a triple threat. Her makeup look always looks flawless from her nude lips to that J.lo Glow that everyone desires. She is "Jenny from the Block," that it girl, that everyone wants to be-successful,rich, and beautiful.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Celebrating Makeup Icons


"Greta Garbo is arguably one of Hollywood’s greatest stars. A legendary actress who combined remarkable beauty with a modern spirit and irresistible allure. Garbo remains one of the most fascinating women in history."
She represents the essence of old Hollywood glam, which was in fact the inspiration for my own wedding makeup and hair. The classic red lips, the powdered face and thin eyebrows was reminisced of 1930's.

Catherine Deneuve is a French actress. She gained recognition for her portrayal of aloof and mysterious beauties in many films. Her look is iconic. She often rocked the unforgettable cat eye.


"Vogue model, style icon and David Bailey's muse, Penelope Tree was the ultimate Sixties It girl." When I see pictures of her I see the popular drawn in bottom lashes or false bottom lash which is really hard to pull off.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Kat Von D launches New Products with Sephora Cast- Are you a Saint, Sinner, or Poetica?






Kat Von D, master tattoo artist, reality TV star, author, and owner of her own tattoo shop High Voltage made a huge “fucking” buzz (as Kat would word it) when she came out in 2008 with the launch of her makeup line. Now 2011 the line has expanded to more than just four lipsticks, an eye palette, and brush set. The Brand has fans coming from all over to shop at Sephora.

Sephora was kind enough to let elevated cast members meet Kat Von D on August 23, 2011 in the 34 Street location. The room’s ambiance was so Kat. The set up was black table cloths with sensual red roses and two candles on each side of it. The table where Kat sat stood a beautiful lamp that looked like a mini black chandelier with red light bulbs. The whole room was lightly lit red. Kat explained how she is a very detailed person and this was quite evident.



Before she jumped to product we really dived into Kat’s life and learned facts about her life that has made her who she is today. See, her artistic abilities were always deeply rooted from her parents. She learned at the age of 6 to played classical piano. Her parents instilled in her the value of maintaining an amazing talent by having her practice two hours every day. By age 14, her artistic abilities took a more visual approach when she started doing tattoos on friends and neighbors. By 16, she was working in a tattoo shop. “Getting tattooed is a bonding experience; it is exchanging energies,” said Kat. When Kat tattoos she feels in her element and she likes to do it barefoot. She believes to tap into her creativity, one must mediate. She mediates at least 15 minutes every day.



Kat Von D’s vibe, almost hippie like, was very soothing and relaxing much like the dim red room we sat in. When speaking about her makeup line she often got giddy and placed her hand over her mouth when she laughed. “It is something that I am so proud of,” said Kat with a smile from ear to ear. Her new products had a sense of unity to them. They can almost link sell themselves. Her new fragrance Poetica housed top notes of rose and passion fruit, middle notes of orchid and Jasmine, and the bottom notes of sensual musk and praline. Along with this fragrance came a palette named Poetica (sold separately) with a set of neutrals and a spectrum of deeper colors like red-purple for the edgy glam girl. Other palettes were created for her other fragrances Saint (frosty pinks, gold, and chocolates) and Sinner (dark smoky palette). Each of these palettes comes with a waterproof pencil. Discover your makeup persona, are you a "Saint", "Sinner", or now a "poetica"(maybe this can be a little of both)!




Other great additions to the line included her Rehab Priming Elixir which was so soft on the skin (not like the greasy silicone slip from other primers which shall remain nameless). Kat calls this her "black rose primer detox.” This primer is oil free, pore minimizing, and anti-aging. The papaya extract helps clear any impurities in the skin. This will also extend the wear of your makeup and give you great skincare benefits at the same time.


Kat has new palettes, fragrances, primers-What’s missing? Lips! She has 5 great new metallic shades of long wearing, vitamin infused colors that were described as shiny gift wrap for your lips. The foiled love lipstick is a great alternative from her first lipsticks which were all matte colors.

One of the things I loved from Kat Von D was her humbleness and amazing quality to want to help others. Her holiday palettes which aren’t out yet were inspired by two girls Kimberly and Evelyn. These children are part of a program at the Art of Elysium. This non-profit organization seeks working artists, actors, and musicians to help children who are battling a serious medical condition. Through the power of art these kids get a chance to rebuild their esteem and learn new things in the process. Please visit the site for more information: http://www.theartofelysium.org/.



As if she hasn’t accomplished it all. Kat Von D can add one more thing to her lengthy resume- clothing designer! The line is inspired by underwater, sunken treasures, tarnished buttons, pirates, etc… As she is very detailed with her makeup, her clothing will be no different. “These clothes cannot be replicated,” said Kat Von D. The inside lining of some clothing pieces will have personal love letters sewn in. Her line features maxi dresses, high quality knit sweaters that are so edgy and fun, and military jackets. One jacket in particular I NEED in my life. It is a tailored, structured metallic jacket which can be a staple to any fall ensemble. Visit her site to learn more: http://www.katvond.net.



Friday, March 25, 2011

G Money Show Winners

CONGRATIONS TO THE TWO WINNERS FROM THE G-MONEY SHOW:
MARY BETH AND CHRISTINA COTTO !
HERE ARE THE ANSWERS TO THE CONTESTANTS QUESTIONS:
WINNER #1
Marybeth Melendez
44 year old (legally blind)

Although I am blind, I enjoy maintaining myself in par with the latest trends, styles, and fashions.
I take great care in selecting my make-up and have learned how to apply it skillfully through my Rehabilitation training. Which by the way has also assisted me in choosing the wardrobe that would best fit my adult figure in today’s trends.

My biggest concern is ensuring that the make-up I chose, such as foundation, matches my skin tone perfectly and blends in naturally so as not to look caked on. As a student, mother and employee I spend many sleepless nights reading and catching up on my work.
In the mornings I always have that tired, puffy, dark look under my eyes.
With age and wisdom lines also now appearing under my eyes, how do I as a blind woman, begin to cover up these imperfections without creating that caked on look that we are all terrified of committing? How would I begin to address this issue and give myself a more well rested and youthful look without looking as if I plastered on the make up?

Glam Box Artists Response: Marybeth, your questions really touch our hearts. I am so excited to see someone who has had some physical challenges in life, still very excited about using cosmetics and fashion. I would say that for any makeup to blend in right, you have to use skincare products. Predominately eye creams. For tired, puffy, dark circles, or fine lines use an eye cream that will target this. Secondly, use any makeup that is lightweight and easy to blend. Even the best artists, have a hard time blending heavy foundations and concealers. I recommend that you use a wet sponge to apply your foundation (if its liquid) to help the blending process. One more thing that I would say is to use an under eye brightener to appear more rested.

Product Recommendations:
Perricone MD Cold Plasma Eye Cream $95
Smashbox High Definition Concealer $18
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer $42
YSL Touche Eclat $40


WINNER #2
Christina Cotto

What is the best way to master a smoky eye look on fair skin without it looking like a black eye?

Glam Box Artists Response: Christina, use alternative colors such as browns, grays, deep purples to achieve a smoky eye. There is a huge misconception that smoky is just black. There are different colors you can use for a smoky eye and different textures such as creams or glitters to blend in. The key thing to a smoky eye is black eyeliner and lots of mascara. There are four levels of smoky eye. Maybe you can try one without using black shadow and not so dramatic.

Product Recommendations:
Urban Decay Star Dust Eye Shadow Diamond Dog $20
Makeup Forever Aqua Black Eyeliner 0L $17
Le 2 de Guerlain Mascara $36
Mac shadow in color Sketch (Plum that looks good on any skin tone)


Carla Bojorque
Age 22
What is the best way to remove or lighten dark circle under eye?
Glam Box Artists Response: First try to figure out why you have dark circles. Is it disturbed sleep, genetics, allergies, too much caffeine, from smoking, or lack of water? Once you determine this find a solution to the problem and next use an eye cream.
Product Recommendations:
Skin Iceland Relief Eye Cream infused with vitamin K $20
Cover up your circles with The Balm Time Balm Concealer, which also treats dark spots. $18

ATENA Gauntlett
29 yrs old
I normally don't wear much make up besides eye shadow and lip Stick, but I would love a lilttle foundation from time to time but all the foundation that I have worn feels heavy and looks very unnatural. What brand should I try?
Glam Box Artists Response: First determine three things. How much you would like your foundation to cover-light, moderate, or full coverage. Second, would you like powder foundation, liquid, or cream foundation. Lastly, what type of finish do you want dewy (shiny look), matte (no shine), or satin (not too shiny or matte).
Product recommendations:
Smashbox Halo Powder $59 The coverage is light-moderate and it has anti-aging ingredients.
Makeup Forever $40 The coverage is moderate to full. The finish is satin.
Lancome Teint Miracle $37 The coverage light-moderate and the finish is dewy (shades are limited).

Cheryl Bradford
My beauty question is what all females like to know. During our menstrual cycle we break out on face, and body. I know I tried everything from proactive to Clearasil what can we can use to help those break outs from coming during that time of the month or help them clear up fast.
Glam Box Artists Response: The two best things you can do is to monitor your diet around this time. Chocolate for instance make me break out during my cycle so I avoid it like the plague. Second, is to drink a lot of water. If you have cystic acne during this time, I would suggest going to a dermatologist and getting Cortisone Injection.
Product Recommendations:
Murad Clarifying Body Spray $37
Murad Acne Body Wash $39.50
First Aid Beauty Blemish Eraser $16

Aquina

I have two toned skin what is the best foundation to use to cover it?

Glam Box Artists Response: I would do two things. I would use two different complexion products to even you out. If this sounds like too much work, I would use one foundation, but use a color corrector on areas that look darker than your skin. My third suggestion would be to go with a foundation that matches your neck to put on your whole face.

Product Recommendation:

Cover FX cream to powder foundation will provide full coverage.$42
Makeup Forever camouflage cream palette $36

Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector $48

The Surprise question from G-Money’s Mom

How do you make these girls look less beastly?

Glam Box Artists Response: Well, Mrs. Bradford I would say less is more. When you look “beastly” don’t try to wear so much makeup. Groom yourself and come see Glam Box to get a full Make over!

Meet Glam Box






What is Glam Box?

Glam Box is an innovative company with a new approach towards makeup. Glam Box was born when two artists, Evelyn and Gigi, who are both working professionals in the industry, decided to put their heads together to make a successful freelance makeup company. Both artists met at Sephora years ago. Working with hundreds of clients has helped them work with different eye shapes, face shapes, and skin conditions. Since then the GB girls have worked in New York Fashion Week, runway shows around the NYC, weddings in New York as well as in the Dominican Republic, and charity events.

Glam Box is what I call the beauty one stop shop. Where else can you find a company that can do your makeup, nails, eyebrows, facials, hair and much more all in the comfort of your home! The Glam Squad can also provide recommendations for event planners, florist, dj, stylist, photographer, and videographer. Great client service is hard to find, but at Glam Box it is our privilege to give top notch quality service.

Why Glam Box Artists?

We love doing makeup and when I hear people say that anyone can be an artists, I say NO, NO, and NO! We have passion for what we do and it comes from within. Some people are born with a natural god given talent. The Glam Box girls have a thirst for knowledge and that is why we are successful at what we do. The notion that you know everything is a faulty way of thought. Glam Box Artists are talented, friendly, and have great communication skills. We are constantly reinventing ourselves to stay fresh and trendy. Fashion and the whole makeup world go hand in hand. A lot of looks that are debuted on runways are what is in for the season. GB girls stay abreast of these trends.

Where do the GB Girls get inspiration from?

Our makeup inspiration stems from successful people in the industry like Billy B, Danessa Myricks, Francois Nars, the late great Kevyn Aucoin, Dick Page, and Pat McGrath. Being a great artist takes daily practice, research, and the idea of being resourceful. I was once told by a Temptu representative that he was hired to do Oprah’s makeup, but he forgot her color. He took a dark brown lipstick and contoured her skin with it. Now that is what I call resourceful! You have to be a problem solver, inventive, and know your makeup history. It is really about studying past eras and duplicating these classic looks that were iconic such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor.